The Houston Cougars have been to this stage before in recent history. Four years ago, in fact. That team, led by Marcus Sasser and Quentin Grimes, rode a stifling defense to the Final Four, where the inconsistent offense finally came back to bite them in a loss to eventual champs Baylor.

Analyzing Friday’s Purdue vs. Houston odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Houston Cougars are seeded first in the Midwest Regional and have won 15 consecutive games. Purdue is seeded fourth. Game picks, predictions.